1 Since its origins, dating back to the end of the 19 th century, the inter-American system has gradually consolidated a set of ground rules. In particular, resolutions and agreements established the principle of solidarity among American States vis-à-vis external threats and threats to peace in the region ( Peace, Threat to ); the obligation to seek peaceful settlement of international disputes , culminating in the adoption of the American Treaty on Pacific Settlement ( Bogotá Pact [1948] ) and its prohibition of the use of force ( Use of Force, Prohibition of) ;...

1 The Organization of American States (‘OAS’) is an international organization established in 1948 to achieve among its Member States, as Art. 1 Charter of the OAS indicates, ‘an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence’ ( Territorial Integrity and Political Independence ) . Today it comprises the 35 independent States of the Americas and constitutes the principal political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the...